Hoekstra challenges Stabenow to six debates in U.S. Senate race

Hoekstra asked for the debates Friday, even as Stabenow's campaign and Democrats were blistering the former congressman for his position that the 17th Amendment to the Constitution be repealed so that senators are appointed by state legislatures rather than elected by the public.

Hoekstra's debate challenge called on Stabenow to discuss "the serious economic challenges that the country continues to face and the solutions needed to get American back on the right track.

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"It is finally time for Sen. Stabenow to answer for her record in public," Hoekstra said by email.

Hoekstra's campaign says it has received several offers from associations and news agencies to host debates including the Detroit Economic Club, WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, WGVU, NBC, WFNT in Flint, and Michigan Community Action Agency Association.

Democrats, meanwhile, are blistering Hoesktra for suggesting the 17th Amendment to the Constitution be repealed so that U.S. senators are chosen by state legislatures rather than elected by the public.

They've distributed a link to The Colbert Report, in which Colbert takes Hoekstra to task over his position.

Stabenow's campaign echoed criticisms of other Democrats.

"It's surprising Hoekstra wants to debate at all given that he wants to take away people's right to elect their senators altogether," Stabenow spokesman Cullen Schwarz said. "But Hoekstra shouldn't wait for a debate to explain why he wants to change the Constitution to give Lansing politicians the power to appoint senators instead of having elections.

"In any case, we look forward to the candidates debating and as with every statewide race, the campaigns will need to sit down with each other and figure out when that can happen," he said.

"Democrats will do anything to distract voters from Sen. Stabenow's failed economic record," Hoekstra spokesman Greg VanWoerkom said. "People are ready to talk about the real solutions that will get Michigan families working again and those solutions will be Pete Hoekstra's focus and agenda as Michigan's next senator."

Hoekstra, from Holland spent 18 years in Congress before a failed run for governor in 2010.

Stabenow is seeking a third six-year term in the Senate.

Contact Charles Crumm at 248-745-4649, charlie.crumm@oakpress.com or follow him on Twitter @crummc and on Facebook. More information is at oaklandmichiganpolitics.blogspot.com. Keep up with the latest in local news by texting OPNews to 22700. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.